Psoriasis affects 1 in 50 people – scaly, itchy, inflamed skin may cause each mental and physical health issues. Dr Alexis Granite tells Healthista every thing we want to learn about psoriasis
For those who have psoriasis – you’ll concentrate on what it’s and the burden of living with it. Scaly, itchy, inflamed, irritated skin flakes that never appear to go away regardless of what you do.
Each skin condition has different associated genetic and environmental aspects and clinical characteristics.
The National Psoriasis Foundation says, ‘A standard skin cell matures and falls off the body’s surface in 28 to 30 days. Nevertheless, skin affected by psoriasis takes only three to 4 days to mature and move to the surface.’
As an alternative of falling off, the skill cells pile as much as form raised, red, flaky patches of skin which may change into itchy and sore. These mostly appear on the knees, elbows, scalp and lower back.
psoriasis is a typical, immune-mediated, inflammatory skin disease, affecting one in 50 people
Much like eczema, pimples and rosacea – psoriasis is a typical, immune-mediated, inflammatory skin disease, affecting one in 50 people. It could actually occur at any age and affects each men and girls equally.
Many well-known celebrities equivalent to, Kim Kardashian, Kris Jenner, Cara Delevingne and Jonathan Van Ness, have all openly discussed that they suffer from psoriasis.
To seek out out more, Healthista spoke to Dr. Alexis Granite – a world-renowned expert in medical and aesthetic dermatology with over 14 years of experience…
What are the signs and symptoms of psoriasis?
The primary tell-tale signs include, rashes or patches of red, inflamed skin, often covered with loose scales. The skin is itchy and painful, and may crack or bleed.
Mostly appearing on the knees, elbows, scalp and lower back, psoriasis may affect the scalp, nails and joints.
What causes psoriasis?
There may be a genetic component to psoriasis, actually having a member of the family with psoriasis, especially a primary degree relative, increases your possibilities of developing the condition.
Common triggers of flare ups include cold weather, stress, alcohol consumption and smoking, or exposure to secondhand smoke.
Can psoriasis result in any long-term health issues?
Yes it could, actually, evidence shows an association between psoriasis and arthritis, obesity, depression, type II diabetes, metabolic syndrome, heart problems and inflammatory bowel disease.
In terms of mental health issues, psoriasis, like all chronic skin conditions, can exert a heavy toll on one’s self-worth. It’s necessary to seek the advice of with a dermatologist with experience in managing psoriasis to make sure your treatment is optimised.
Managing your lifestyle and stress levels can also be key, exercise, meditation and interesting in hobbies can all help. If psoriasis is significantly interfering together with your quality of life, speak to a mental health specialist to debate potential options equivalent to support groups, private counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy and drugs.
Can psoriasis be treated?
There isn’t any cure for psoriasis but lifestyle modifications and over-the-counter treatments will help control the disease.
Emollients are a mainstay of psoriasis treatment, keeping the skin well moisturised with a fragrance-free cream or ointment will help soften and forestall scaly patches.
Ingredients available over-the-counter equivalent to coal tar, salicylic acid, lactic acid and urea work to remove scales and dry skin. For mild psoriasis topical hydrocortisone is offered without prescription to cut back itch and inflammation.
Protecting skin from injury, cold weather and dryness and reducing stress, alcohol consumption and smoking/exposure to secondhand smoke can all help mitigate psoriasis flare ups and manage symptoms.
keeping the skin well moisturised with a fragrance-free cream or ointment will help
Certain alternative therapies have been reported to assist alleviate itching and burning related to psoriasis (although scientific data is lacking), including aloe vera gel, fish oil supplements, dead sea salts and Oregon grape.
For more extensive psoriasis, dermatologists may prescribe quite a lot of topical treatments including prescription steroid and immunomodulator creams.
UVB and PUVA are specialised forms of sunshine therapy which may be administered within the office or with an at home device under the care of a healthcare skilled. For essentially the most severe types of psoriasis, a spread of systemic medications can be found and may be tailored to a person’s specific needs.
For those who think you have got psoriasis it’s best to seek the advice of with a dermatologist to first confirm the diagnosis after which to debate treatment and management options.
Dr. Alexis Granite is a world-renowned expert in medical and aesthetic dermatology with over 14 years of experience.
A consultant on the Specialist Registrar in Dermatology in the UK and is board certified in dermatology in the USA.
She is a member of the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD), the British Cosmetic Dermatology Group (BCDG) and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).